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Lace Up Them Running Shoes: Ethan and DeeDee’s Story

Fostering is a journey, full of highs and lows, emotions and love. Each new animal a foster brings into their home is different, and presents a new set of obstacles to overcome and goals to achieve. Every journey is unlike any other, because each is different in its own way. This is Ethan and DeeDee’s story.

DeeDee was rescued from Animal Control on January 22, 2016. She spent a few months in the shelter before she met Ethan Goldstein, but since that day, her life has changed for the better. When rescued, she had some pretty negative behaviors and aversions, had severe separation anxiety and was not particularly dog friendly. Luckily, Ethan has no other dogs in his home, and has been able to devote all his time and attention to DeeDee, helping her overcome these obstacles.

In the beginning, it wasn’t easy. After a torn up mattress and a few pairs of shoes, Ethan realized that DeeDee needed help with her anxiety. The following months were a test of trust, compassion, and massive amounts of patience, but the two found the key to DeeDee’s happiness. Running was the answer.

“DeeDee loves to run and gives me a run for my money once I lace up my shoes,” explains Ethan. “She has helped me train for a few of my races and in turn she bounds down the streets with floppy ears and then comes back to plop on the ground. She doesn’t need to spend her days in the crate now and has even had playdates with other dogs. She cuddles unlike any other dog I’ve ever met and I couldn’t imagine my life without her.” But, the best part of fostering DeeDee is her human-like demeanor. “She will sleep on the bed like a human, cuddle like a human, show emotions like a human and play like a human (at least play like I would). I have never met a dog that doesn’t act like…a dog.”

The two are in a place now where life is easy. They get each other, and they worked hard to reach this place. Ethan has this to say to other fosters considering embarking on a similar journey with a foster dog: “Just do it. No questions asked. It will not be easy, but it is worth it. But in all seriousness, just be patient with your pup. They have gone through a lot, as many people have, and you just need to remember to be patient with them. You will get frustrated every once in awhile, but be sure to then work twice as hard to rebuild that trust and connection.”

DeeDee has been with Gateway Pet Guardians for almost 10 months now, and while she loves her life with Ethan, she still would love a family of her own. If you are looking for your own running companion, consider making DeeDee a permanent resident in your home. Learn more about her by clicking here, and learn about how you can make a difference in the life of a dog like DeeDee by clicking here.